Sleep support system

ABSTRACT

A pillow includes a substantially flat base portion; a top side and a bottom side extending perpendicular from the base portion; a first side and a second side extending perpendicular from the base portion; and a top portion formed of first and second slanted planes, respectively slanting from each of the first and second sides toward the base portion, with the slanted planes coming together to meet between the first side and the second side.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to resting equipment, and more specifically to a pillow apparatus for promoting certain sleeping postures.

People sleep in many different positions, and often change positions throughout the night. For various reasons people prefer or are instructed to sleep in certain positions. One such position is sleeping on their back. Sleeping on a person's back can inhibit the appearance and growth of under eye circles or bags which sometime form under a person's eyes while sleeping and may also promote other health benefits.

SUMMARY

A pillow includes a substantially flat base portion; a top side and a bottom side extending perpendicular from the base portion; a first side and a second side extending perpendicular from the base portion; and a top portion formed of first and second slanted planes, respectively slanting from each of the first and second sides toward the base portion, with the slanted planes coming together to meet between the first side and the second side.

A method of forming a pillow includes integrally forming a pillow with a flat base and a top that is slanted from the sides toward the center to form a v-shaped cross-section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an elevation end view of a head pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is an elevation side view of the head pillow of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is an elevation end view of a back support cushion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is an elevation side view of the back support cushion of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is an elevation end view of a cushion cover for two of the back support cushions shown in FIGS. 2A-2B.

FIG. 3B is an elevation end view showing a second embodiment of a cushion cover for two of the back support cushions shown in FIGS. 2A-2B.

FIG. 4 is an elevation end view of embodiments of two head pillows, two back support cushions and a cushion cover in use by two persons.

FIG. 5A shows an elevation end view of a person's sleeping position when using only a head pillow according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B shows an elevation end view of a person's sleeping position when using a head pillow and a back support cushion according an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is an end view of head pillow 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a side view of the head pillow 10. Head pillow 10 includes flat base 12, first and second sides 14 a and 14 b, top and bottom vertical sides 16 a and 16 b and a v-shaped top 18. V-shaped top includes horizontal planes 20 a and 20 b, and angled top portion 22 with first and second slanted planes 22 a and 22 b.

Base 12 is substantially flat and rectangular. First and second sides 14 a and 14 b and top and bottom vertical sides 16 a, 16 b extend perpendicular from base 12. Horizontal plane 20 a connects first side 14 a to slanted plane 22 a. Horizontal plane 20 b connects second side 14 b to slanted plane 22 b.

Pillow dimensions shown are pillow width P_(W), pillow height P_(H), pillow length P_(L), pillow top flat portion length P_(T), pillow height at v-center P_(VH), and pillow angle P_(A). Dimensions can be pillow width P_(W) of 304.8 mm (12 inches), pillow height P_(H) of 152.4 mm (6 inches), pillow length P_(L) of 431.7 mm (17 inches), pillow top flat portion length P_(T) of 12.7 mm (0.5 inches), pillow height at v-center P_(VH) of 76.2 mm (3 inches) and pillow angle P_(A) of 21 degrees. Dimensions given are for example purposes only and may be varied depending on system requirements. For example, what a pillow angle P_(A) could vary between 18 degrees to 23 degrees.

Pillow 10 is integrally formed from one piece of foam or other materials which would be suitable for cushioning the head of a user and firm enough to provide support, including but not limited to gels, polymers and open or closed cellular structures. The foam used can be memory foam, which molds to the shape pressing against it. The method of forming pillow can involve using a mold to shape the foam and/or cutting the foam to have the proper shape and dimensions.

FIG. 2A is an end view of a back support cushion 24 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a side view of back support cushion 24. Cushion 24 includes base 26, top 28 and angled sides 30, 32. FIGS. 2A-2B include cushion dimensions: cushion base C_(B), cushion height C_(H), cushion top C_(T) and cushion length C_(L). Dimensions can be 114.3 mm (4.5 inches) for cushion base C_(B), 101.6 mm (4 inches) for cushion height C_(H), 50.8 mm (2 inches) for cushion top C_(T) and 457.2 mm (18 inches) for cushion length C_(L), or may be more or less depending on system desires and requirements. Back support cushion can be made of a foam or other material with sufficient strength to support a person while sleeping. The materials used can be the same or similar to the materials used for pillow 10.

FIG. 3A is an end view of cushion cover 34 for two back support cushions 24 positioned near the center of a resting surface, such as the mattress of a bed. FIG. 3B is a end view showing a second embodiment of a cushion cover for two back support cushions 24 positioned on the outer edges of a bed. Cushion cover 34 includes flat portions 36 for wrapping around a bed and portions 38 for fitting over back support cushions 24. Cushion cover 38 may also be sewn into sheets or other bedding components for any bed size.

FIG. 3A includes dimensions showing cushion cover center C_(C1), and cushion cover outer dimensions C_(O1). Cushion cover center C_(C) can be about 25.4 mm (1.0 inches) and cushion cover outer dimensions C_(O1) can be about 1.194 m (47 inches). Cover can be about 508 mm (20 inches) in length to cover entire length of back support cushion 24. While these example dimensions are shown, cushion and cushion cover can be different sizes depending on requirements for the cushion in relationship to the resting surface size and/or user.

FIG. 3B includes dimensions showing cushion cover center C_(C2), and cushion cover outer dimensions C_(O2). Cushion cover center C_(C2) can be about 1.257 m (49.5 inches) and cushion cover outer dimensions C_(O2) can be about 609.6 mm (24 inches). Cover can be about 508 mm (20 inches) in length to cover entire length of back support cushion 24. Again, dimensions are for illustrative purposes, and cover may be sized to fit the resting surface and/or user.

Back support cushion 24 can slide into one end of portion 38 to fit securely within portion 38. Back support cushion 24 can be secured into portion 38 through sewing, buttoning or other means if desired. Cushion cover 34 can be made out of various fabrics and textiles, including cotton, silk, flannel or other natural or synthetic materials. Dimensions and arrangement of portions 38 for holding back support cushions 24 are shown for example purposes only, and can be varied according to requirements and desires. For example, only one back support cushion 24 may be desired, and thus, cover 34 would only contain one portion 38 for holding back support cushion 24.

FIG. 4 shows an end view of embodiments of two head pillows 10, two back support cushions 24 and a cushion cover 34 in use by two persons, with portions of head pillows 10 removed for viewing purposes only. FIG. 4 includes head pillows 10, back support cushions 24, back support cushion cover 34 and mattress 40.

Back support cushions 24 fit into back support cushion cover 34. Back support cushion cover 34 wraps around mattress 40. Head pillows 10 sit on mattress 40. Persons lay with their head cradled in the v-portion of head pillow 10. Back support cushion 24 props up person from the side to further support a preferred sleeping arrangement.

FIG. 5A shows an end view of a user's sleeping position when using head pillow 10. FIG. 5B shows an end view of a user's sleeping position, including head and shoulders, when using head pillow 10 and back cushion 24. FIGS. 5A-5B show angle A₁ of sleeping with head pillow 10 only and angle A₂ of sleeping with head pillow 10 and back support cushion 24. Angle A₁ can be about 23 degrees, and angle A₂ can be about 31 degrees.

As mentioned above, sleeping on one's side or stomach can result in under-eye bags due to fluid pooling in that area as you sleep. This look is undesirable to many, who are forced to use makeup and other various devices to attempt to hide these bags. Sleeping on one's back or at an angle where head is substantially tilted upwards can help reduce or eliminate these bags. This is because sleeping on the back allows the fluid which collects to form the bags to drain throughout the night. Head pillow 10 with v-shaped top and back support cushion 24 help to promote sleeping on the back through supporting a person's head and body to substantially stay in the position for sleeping on one's back. Support cushion cover 34 wraps around mattress 40, tucking under it, to ensure that back support cushions 24 stay at the proper place for promoting back sleeping.

To some people, sleeping on one's back is uncomfortable and undesirable. Pillow 10 and/or support cushion 24 can promote sleeping at such an angle that it is not uncomfortable and is still sufficient for draining fluid from under-eye area while sleeping. Pillow 10 with slanted sides 22 a and 22 b is shaped and angled such that it promotes the proper angle for fluid drainage, thus reducing or eliminating bags formed during sleep by supporting both the head and body of a person using the invention.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments encompassed, suggested or envisioned by the description herein. 

1. A pillow comprising: a substantially flat base portion; a top side and a bottom side extending perpendicular from the base portion; a first side and a second side extending perpendicular from the base portion; and a resting surface formed of first and second slanted planes, respectively slanting from each of the first and second sides toward the base portion, with the slanted planes coming together to meet between the first side and the second side.
 2. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the planes meet equidistant from the first side and second side.
 3. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the two planes each slant at the same angle from horizontal.
 4. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the pillow is formed of a foam material.
 5. The pillow of claim 4, wherein the foam material is a memory foam.
 6. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the top portion has a V-shaped cross-section.
 7. The pillow of claim 1, wherein the top portion further comprises: a first horizontal plane connecting the first slanted plane to the first side; and a second horizontal plane connecting the second slanted plane to the second side.
 8. The pillow of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second slanted planes are at an angle of 18 degrees to 23 degrees from horizontal.
 9. The pillow of claim 1, wherein height of each of the first and second sides is 152.4 mm (6 inches).
 10. An integrally formed pillow for promoting angled or back sleeping, the pillow comprising: a rectangular flat base section; and a top section which is angled toward the center to form a V-shaped cross section.
 11. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the pillow is angled with first and second slanted planes.
 12. The pillow of claim 11, wherein each of the slanted planes are angled at least 18 degrees from horizontal.
 13. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the center of the V-shaped cross section is about 76.2 mm (3 inches) from the base.
 14. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the pillow further comprises: first and second horizontal planes connecting to the angled top section.
 15. The pillow of claim 14, wherein each of the first and second horizontal planes extend 12.7 mm (0.5 inches) from a first and a second side before connecting to the angled top section.
 16. The pillow of claim 10, wherein the pillow is formed of a foam material.
 17. A method of forming a pillow comprising: integrally forming a pillow with a flat base and a top that is slanted from the sides toward the center to form a v-shaped cross-section.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the pillow is formed using a mold.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the pillow is formed and then cut down to form the top into the v-shaped cross-section.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the pillow is formed of a foam material. Dimension 